Going back thousands of years ago, the bonsai plant has a colorful history. The Chinese might have been the first race to prune and shape the bonsai plants but records show that bonsais were seen in Egyptian tombs 2000 years ago.

Records also show that Indian herbalists preserved these prized plants in small containers because of the dwarfish sizes 1500 years ago.

But of course, when talking about the modern cultivation of Bonsai, we often turn to the Chinese practice. They started growing the bonsai plant at a period when the peak was cultural learning. Later on, the Japanese adopted the hobby and even associated it to their belief in Buddha. Bonsai became a culture and an art for both the Chinese and the Japanese.

When choosing the right bonsai for you, you must be aware that there are two types: the temperate and the tropical.

Temperate bonsai can live in low temperatures, thanks to their shallow roots. It needs protection from the cold though. Examples of temperate bonsai are the maples and junipers.

Meanwhile, the tropical bonsai has difficulty adjusting to cold temperatures. As much as you can, protect it against frost. Examples of tropical bonsai are the ficus, serissa and bougainvillea.

Be aware of the temperature when you're buying a bonsai. Get one that won't have a hard time adjusting. If you're thinking of getting a bonsai that'll be outdoors 24-7, then get one that can handle it.

If you are getting a bonsai that will be put inside the home, at least, make sure that it gets the right amount of sunlight and enough water. An indoor bonsai needs more water than one grown outdoors.

Generally, bonsai enthusiasts purchased these plants so that they could prune and shape it themselves. If you already have a design in mind, then you should consider this as a factor in deciding what kind of bonsai you'd buy.

Styles of bonsai vary from easy to complicated. But do not worry; there are hundreds of bonsai books you can read.

Whichever style you crop, prune or shape your bonsai, as long as you make sure that the plant gets the sunlight and the water it needs, it will surely bloom and become the plant that you want it to be.

With each bonsai, you'd soon find yourself hooked!

Serissa is a little evergreen shrub that can grow 50 cms tall. It was first spotted in Southeast Asia, amidst damp and moist open woodland. The leaves come in opposite sides. Funnel shaped flowers are often produced by the Serissa bonsai especially during the summer. Thus it earns the nickname "tree of a thousand stars."

There's a wide variety of Serissa that is currently being cultivated targeted to bonsai enthusiasts. They are commonly found throughout Europe, especially in Britain. Serissa is famous for being hard maintenance especially to bonsai newbies. They've the tendency to drop their leaves, sometimes even turning yellow, when the proper growing conditions aren't followed.

Since they come from a subtropical location, Serissa bonsai has to be grown at a temperature that's below 7 degree Celsius. Indoor cultivation is highly suggested when the bonsai enthusiast is considering of growing Serissa.

It important that the Serissa tree also gets a couple of weeks outside so that it can get the day and night temperature it needs. Just remember to bring it indoors when the temperature drops right below 7 degree Celsius, be it day or night. You have to look for a bright position for your plant. Make sure that it is not too sunny.

For some reason, serissa bonsai don't like to be continuously wet from watering. They like that their roots be moist instead. Thus, the watering process of a serissa bonsai is by checking the dry compost once in a while. Water it thoroughly but do not drain it too much. It is alright to water the Serissa bonsai on a daily basis but check if the plant requires misting.

Remove the serissa's suckers by styling the trunk in such a way that it becomes multiple. Prune one or two leaves using bonsai scissors or shears of the bonsai in order to shape it properly.

If the Serissa bonsai is yellowing, it is apt to diseases and pests. By properly placing the bonsai on a moist and well-regulated place with the right temperature, then there's no need to worry because the right humidity can help keep diseases and pests away from the Serissa.

If you're wondering what the proper way to style a Serissa is, wonder no more. Any style can do as long as it can grow its small or medium size - which is 50 cms tall.

Because some Serissa tend to have think trunks, get a pot that is shallow in order for the plant to appropriately grow in its container. For aesthetic purposes, you can also get one that has a decoration.

If you've a bonsai plant, it's important to remember that caring for them is akin to caring for a baby. Loving and caring is required but it's not sufficient; you also have to show certain "parenting" skills to ensure that your bonsai plant will enjoy a long and healthy life.

Tip #1 Water is the source of life for all creatures but it's especially so for bonsai plants. Even though they need to be watered more frequently than other types of plants, they also need a precise amount of watering. Anything that's less or beyond the ideal amount of water can lead to your bonsai plant's death so it's important that you ask for professional advice.

Factors that affect the amount of water required by a bonsai plant include but aren't limited to the type of tree you're taking care of, what season it is at present, if the tree's grown outdoors or indoors, and so forth.

Tip #2 Light is another source of energy for your bonsai plant. Just like any other plant, your bonsai plant will benefit from exposure to sunlight. If you're growing it in an indoor garden, however, you will have to arrange for artificial lighting. In such instances, it's important to use a timer so that you avoid risking overexposure for your plants.

Tip #3 Humidity is unfortunately one of the most important but overlooked factors when taking care of bonsai plants; the best way to ensure that best humidity levels remain constant is by using a humidity tray. You can use decorative pebbles to make your bonsai plant appear more attractive.

Tip #4 If you are determined to keep your bonsai plant indoors, you've to choose the pot for your bonsai plant very carefully. To be safe, make sure that you buy pots which are specifically designed for bonsai plants. These pots have pre-made holes for drainage and training wires.

Tip #5 Many people are confused as to exactly what role fertilizer plays in taking care of bonsai plants. Firstly, fertilizer is needed when you're keeping your bonsai plant indoors because this provides the added nutrition that your indoor soil lacks. Secondly, fertilizer isn't medicine so do not use it as treatment for sick or dying trees. Lastly, make sure that you thoroughly water your bonsai plant before fertilizing.

Lastly, do not risk your bonsai plant's health on the basis of any assumption. If you are not sure, always ask for professional advice!

There's more to the relationship between a bonsai tree and its pot than how it appears to the naked eye. In bonsai language, the pot is frequently called the frame while the bonsai tree itself is referred to as the picture. Obviously, uniting the two together will create framed perfection.

Tips on Choosing the Right Bonsai Pot

It's important that you buy only pots which are specially manufactured to use for bonsai trees because they are pre-designed to have two types of holes: drainage holes as bonsai trees require lots of watering and secondly, holes for passage of training wire which is used to retain the shape of bonsai trees when potting.

Size matters especially when you're still in the process of taking care of a growing bonsai tree. Nursery or wild trees have more stringent requirements when it comes to pots so if it's your first time to take care of a bonsai tree, do make sure that you ask professional advice first.

Consider the length, width, and height of your bonsai pot. Growth of your bonsai tree can be affected adversely if you choose the wrong dimensions for your bonsai pot. For the width of your bonsai pot, make sure that the pot is just as wide as the length of the stems or branches of your bonsai tree. The height on the other hand should just be of similar measurement to the overall width of the trunk of your bonsai tree.

Shape, in some instances, can also affect the rate of growth of bonsai trees so do be sure you are choosing the right shape as well for your plant.

Color is only a factor if you believe in color psychology or aesthetics is very important to you. You can choose pots in solid colors if you like to go for understated beauty or printed or polychromatic designs if you wish for your garden to become more eye-catching.

Consider the pot material. If you wish for something durable, you can choose bonsai pots that are made of heavy duty plastic as these are non-breakable and supported with lifetime warranty. Clay pots are typical but easily breakable. Cement bonsai pots are sturdier but cost more. Wooden pots are best if you wish to go for a more authentic look.

Lastly, consider the landscape of your garden. Your choice of bonsai pot can make your bonsai tree either stand out or blend in perfect harmony with the landscape. Either way is fine and only thinks about your preference.

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Bonsai trees normally don't bear flowers. One variation that does is called the Bougainvillea. This is commonly found in many parts of Asia and South America.

This belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family that is part tree and vine. Although this has never been practiced by the Japanese or the Chinese, those in America have discovered that's also possesses excellent qualities of being a bonsai tree.

For one, the hobbyists doesn't have to give it a lot of water. Fertilizers can also be used to help it grow especially those that have nitrogen concentrates. It needs direct sunlight so those who decide to keep it indoors should take it out at least for four hours each day.

The Bougainvillea Bonsai can be placed either indoors or outdoors. It blooms all year round even during the winter. When the weather gets cold outside, it should be placed indoors and in a warm place to make sure it survives.

One technique that'll keep it looking good all year is pruning. The hobbyist will have to use a cutter to cut off some of the branches to make it work. A sealant should be used after to help the bougainvillea tree heal.

A little pruning should also be done with the roots when this gets bigger and this is transferred to a bigger pot. The hobbyist might even cut a small portion to start smaller bougainvillea bonsai's and sell it later on.

Leaves grow constantly on the bougainvillea tree, which is very similar to weeds in the lawn. The hobbyist will have to pinch or cut a few off whenever there's too much around that destroys its image.

Infant versions measuring five to six inches in height and twelve inches in width sell at $50. Fully grown ones that are twice the dimensions of a smaller one can be sold at more than $250 a piece.

Another technique the person can do to make it grow into the desired shape is through wiring. The person can purchase this from the store in either aluminum or copper. This should be wrapped one or two times around the branches and should only be taken out after a few weeks.

Those who are experienced with the different types bonsai might want to try something new such as this type of tree. This can be purchased in gardening stores then later on put into different pots.

A bonsai kit is a perfect gift for any loved one born with a green thumb. You can either make your own bonsai kit or buy one from any gardening shop.

Tips for Making and Designing Bonsai Kits
Here is a list of what your bonsai kit should include:

Bonsai Tree - Before giving away your bonsai kit, do try to determine whether your recipient would wish to have an indoor or outdoor bonsai tree. Secondly, determine which bonsai tree specie you believe your recipient would have the greatest affinity to. As some bonsai tree species are more difficult to grow than others, make sure that you choose the appropriate specie if you are giving a bonsai kit to a child.

You can make things more interesting however by attaching a note to your bonsai kit about any of the various legends and superstitions associated with bonsai trees.

Pot - You can either design one by yourself or purchase one from our bonsai pot store. As there are various styles, colors, and shapes to select from, you're sure to find something that will fit your recipient's taste without hurting your pockets too much. Make sure of course that you take into account the size of your bonsai tree when shopping for a pot.

Soil - Unlike other types of plants, bonsai trees will only grow when a certain type of soil is used. As such, make sure that you not only fill the pot with the specific type of soil for bonsai trees but include one extra package of soil as well in the bonsai kit. You can get soil at our bonsai soil section.

Decorative Supplies - Bonsai trees, pots, and gardens can be decorated in numerous ways. Make sure that you include a bunch of decorative supplies in your bonsai kit to grant your recipient to have more fun with growing their bonsai trees.

Training Wire - This is a must for any novice in bonsai growing. Make sure that you provide an ample supply of training wire as they're liable to get it wrong the first few times.

Fertilizer - Again, bonsai trees are very special in the sense that they require occasional fertilizing. Make sure that you provide your recipient with at least a year's supply of bonsai fertilizer so they will not have to make frequent trips to the grocery or gardening shop.

Watering Pot - Bonsai plants need frequent watering so it's essential that you include a watering pot in your bonsai kit as well. If the budget allows, include a humidity tray as well so they've options to choose from for watering their bonsai plants.

Lastly, place them all inside a gift box together with a detailed instruction sheet. Voila! You've just built a complete bonsai kit.

Bonsai trees can be quite challenging to grow and maintain especially if you're a newbie and know nothing about them. However, there's one particular favorite bonsai well suited for neophytes that is the Jade Bonsai. Also known as the Small Leaf Jade or Elephant Plant, this succulent plant is native to South Africa.

The Jade tree bonsai develops more swiftly than other types of bonsai. It has a very extensive trunk and can grow up to 3 to 4 meters in the wild. Because it is succulent, it has a great capacity to hold water in its thick leaves, branches, and trunk, meaning it doesn't need often watering compared to other types.

The lovely tree is easy to maintain and it looks great. While the plant is young its bark is green but it eventually turns reddish brown to slate gray as it matures. It has fleshy leaves that have a blue-green color and produces bunches of star-shaped pinkish to purple flowers during autumn. Its thick and slender trunk and branches make beautiful cascades. The Jade Bonsai is beautiful as a home or office ornament.

Even though the Jade Bonsai is easier to maintain unlike the other types, it still needs proper tailored care. Being a tropical plant, it cannot tolerate very cold climates. So if you live in a cold region, it is ideal to keep it inside as an indoor plant. Meanwhile if you're in a warmer area that is full of sunshine, the plant will do superior outdoors. You should still water it regularly but be careful in adding too much water. Just remember to keep the soil moist.

Like in any other bonsai, pruning and shaping is part of its care. Pruning is needed for stronger trunk growth and for reducing the leaf-size. Reducing the trunk encourages new growth from the wound after a week or two. Be sure to pinch gently on the trunk and branches since the Jade tree is soft and delicate.

The Jade tree responds very well to wiring and can be contoured in new shapes within three to four weeks. Be very careful in wiring because the branches can snap if they're bent too much. Because the branches become turgid when full of water, be conservative in watering the plant prior to wiring it so decrease the chances of snapping it.

Your Jade bonsai also needs to be re-potted every two years. Done early in spring, it is important to dry the soil fully before re-potting. Then, place it in a shady place until you see new growth. After that, water it as usual.

How do you describe an indoor bonsai? Is it a bonsai tree grown in a greenhouse, or one that's grown inside your home, or an outdoor plant that was brought indoor each winter? Regardless where they're grown, bonsai trees have the same requirements. Although they are miniaturized trees, like any other tree, they need adequate sunlight exposure which is the primary concern for an indoor bonsai.

Most indoor bonsai trees come from species that are indigenous to subtropical or tropical regions. The plant should be placed in a well-lighted area of the home where there's enough light, usually near the window. Since it is the nature of the plant to seek where the light is coming from, it is important to rotate the plant so that the branches will grow equally and become easier to train. Although these trees can be grown and trained indoors all year round, it is advisable to bring tropical bonsai trees outdoors during summer and be kept strictly inside the home during winter.

Some people don't realize that the natural light entering their home is still not enough to stimulate the plant to synthesize its required energy. If you lack sufficient light for your bonsai, you can supply this need by placing a fluorescent lamp over it. The lamp should be about six inches above your plant. You can use an affordable twin forty watt bulb. To augment sunlight especially during winter, turn on the lamp for 12 hours.

Meanwhile bonsai trees that are produced from temperate species should be kept in a period of dormancy each autumn in order to survive. They should be kept in a cool and strongly lit room.

Another vital element of basic care for indoor bonsai is water. Knowing how often you need to water your plant is very crucial. You can determine if your plant needs water by scratching the soil using your finger. If it is still moist, then it doesn't need water. You can also plant a wooden stick in the soil and leave it there. To know if you already need to water your bonsai, pull the stick and check whether it is moist or dry.

Water your bonsai tree overhead. Allow the water to be absorbed by the plant for a few seconds before pouring another splash of water.

Giving your bonsai plant fertilizer is the third important part basic care. You can give feed in a schedule by following the manufacturer's directions. You might begin fertilizing when your bonsai is actively growing to augment its increasing needs.

Follow these tips in taking care of your indoor bonsai. Choose a species that can easily be grown indoors.

If you wish for a unique home-based business opportunity with lots of potential for growth, why not think about establishing a bonsai business?

Gardening Skills

Unless you are willing to pay for hired help, you have only yourself to depend on for nurturing your bonsai plants to growth. If you weren't born with a green thumb, you can still learn the necessary gardening skills for having a bonsai business either by self-study or enrolling in a gardening or bonsai growing workshop.

Small to Moderate Capital - The amount of your investment will depend on the size of the business you wish to establish, and whether you wish to grow outdoor or indoor bonsai plants. A bonsai business however will prosper depending on your skills the level of attention you give it and requires no equipment or machineries to run. As such, investment costs are still minimal compared to other types of businesses.

Space - If you do not have a garden to work with and use as your business setup, you have the choice of reserving a portion of your room for your bonsai business and focus primarily on growing and selling indoor bonsai plants.

Licensing - To ensure smooth operation of your business and pay your dues to society, do take the time to apply for a license for your home-based bonsai business. Since your business doesn't generally involve or produce too much noise or disturbance, getting licensing for your business should be a easy thing to do. If you live in a subdivision or village however, you'll have to ask for additional licensing and permission from the authorities of your residence community.

If you're using an outdoor setup for your bonsai business, take the time to decorate it beautifully as this is will be the basis of your customers' first impression about your products. Remember to post a moderate-sized but tasteful signage in front your home to let people know about your business.

Take advantage of the global market of the Internet. Advertise freely about your bonsai business by building a website, posting messages in gardening forums, placing ads in on the web classifieds, and discussing it in your blog. Think about making podcasts as well by giving free bonsai tips then inserting in the middle of your discussion an advertisement about your bonsai business.

Similar to how bonsai plants take time to grow, anticipate the same from your bonsai business as well. Be patient however and your patient effort will surely be rewarded!

The Chinese Elm bonsai is often interchanged with the species called Zelkova (also known as the Japanese Elm). The only difference between the two is the appearance of their fruits. The Chinese Elm has fruits with wings while its Japanese counterpart do not.

More often than not, Chinese Elm is sold as an indoor plant because it stays green despite being kept inside your home.